‘Somebody Feed Phil’ New Season, March 1: Fantastic Travel-Food Fun

01.03.2024 - 17:15 / forbes.com

Somebody Feed Phil premieres its 7th season March 1 on Netflix. Inimitable host Phil Rosenthal—whose heartfelt humor feels like a warm hug—dishes up delectable foods and destination finds. He chats and chews with chefs, restaurateurs, guides, travel experts, colorful characters, famous friends, prominent movers and exuberant shakers. And he shares with viewers uplifting insights intended to encourage kindness. This enlightening, enthusiastic series spotlights eight new episodes: Dubai, Mumbai, Kyoto, Taipei, Washington D.C., Orlando (with a twist), Scotland and Iceland. Each location’s bounty is ladled with tips and takeaways. Gorgeous sights, sounds, smiles and nourishing ventures abound. Cheers to the camera operators and editors who seamlessly weave narratives and vibrant visuals. Rosenthal’s brother, Richard, is the showrunner and executive producer, as well as his behind-the-cameras sidekick. I won’t reveal the season’s sweetest surprises, which are many—so that you can look forward to savoring unexpected morsels and moments. Here, appetizers to whet your interest.

Rosenthal Says: “A gleaming metropolis on the Persian Gulf shore of the Arabian Peninsula, Dubai is the biggest city in the United Arab Emirates. Behind the glitz, there’s an older part of town that you don’t hear much about. You’re in a city with a thriving immigrant population. Approximately 85 percent of Dubai’s population moved here from other countries, which makes for fantastic world food.”

Family Affair: At Michelin-starred Orfali Bros restaurant, three brothers—Mohammad, Wassim and Omar, originally from Syria—triumphantly stretch the boundaries of culinary possibilities with imaginative flavors and textures, as well as visionary pizzazz. Considered a leading restaurant in all of the Middle East and Africa, Orfali Bros embraces Dubai’s multiculturalism and avant-gardism; sources from local farmers and suppliers; and emphasizes gastronomic fun.

Mind-boggling Mouthful: Rosenthal rises to the 122nd floor of swanky Atmosphere and Lounge in the world’s tallest building: Burj Khalifa, which stands 2,722-feet—more than half a mile high. Its 360-degree panoramas of Downtown Dubai and the Gulf, as well as French-inspired menus, enthrall. The restaurant is often cited for the Golden Billionaire Cheeseburger, made with Wagyu beef and topped by 24K gold and truffles. Is this Rosenthal’s tastiest burger ever?

Candy Curiosity: A sophisticated, fancy chocolatier creates camel milk chocolates. Yes, you read that correctly. Rosenthal takes a bite.

Snowballs in the Desert: Dubai does not skimp on extravagance. Ski Dubai, the world’s largest indoor ski slope, is located within the Mall of the Emirates. It boasts 242,188 square feet of indoor ski